Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip

When stripping a log home remember when using a pressure washer, it is not the pressure of the water but the volume that does the work. Many logs and trim for that matter have been damaged because of excessive water pressure in the hands of the inexpereniced. To do a good job of stripping, a pressure washer of at least 5 gallons per minuite should be used. As a reference, a pressure washer a typical homeowner owns is around 3 gpm, almost half of what is needed. Because of the small amount of water being pumped, most people will compensate by using the pressure closer to the wood, that can go as high 3500 psi, more than enough to damage the logs. If a high pressure washer is going to br used, the only way around this problem is to use a larger diameter tip. With a larger tip the pressure will drop but so will the speed at which you can strip. So either access a larger volume pressure washer, or hire a professional that has the proper equipment. May cost more, but far cheaper than repairing damaged logs.